LOL. Oh, there are many things that come to mind when I start this phrase....Just give me...
Coffee.
Sleep.
Silence.
A break.
Some sun and waves.
A maid.
My younger body.
A million dollars.
.....
A sign that it's all going to be ok?
Am I the only one who has these thoughts or conversations with myself? I think not.
Life seems to be spinning a lot faster as I exit my 20's. And as it spins faster, the "curve balls" and the "blessings" (that sometimes feel like curve balls) come at you harder.
I could go on about how this new phase of life feels, but many of you know how it feels. I could go on about life's troubles, however "hidden" they may be for each person, but again, you know how that feels too. So this blog is a bit more like a strand of thoughts that go through my mind throughout many of my days, and although some may be familiar and some may be odd, I hope they are encouraging for you...
When I go to bed anxious about tomorrow's worries,
I have Jesus right beside me. He's my assurance.
When I wake up with my stomach turning because now I have to face the day's worries,
I have Jesus who's going to walk me through the day.
When ministry calls...and calls...and calls....and I wonder if I can give any bit more...
Jesus reminds me that He always gave more, always gives more, and that He has the strength to do it. If only I'd stop giving of myself and let Him give through me. Then all of a sudden, when I release control, I'm not giving....but I am receiving.
When money seems to always somehow be a problem,
I have Jesus to remind me, "Look at the lilies of the field, Joy....I will take care of you."
When unexpected "blessings" come my way, but oh how it feels like a burden right now,
I have Jesus to talk to, to listen, and to whisper at different times, "Trust me."
When I look back at pictures and pine for the past...for whatever reason...
I am reminded that I had Jesus then...and I have Jesus now....and eventually, Jesus gives me new great memories in the making.
When I think about all the people who find me so "stupid" for believing in Jesus,
Jesus makes himself clearer to me through my own little miracles.
When I can't find any motivation to get up,
Jesus give me music...He reminds me to think about Him...just Him. Then His strength comes.
When there really is no one to talk to who will actually understand EVERYTHING I'm going through...
Jesus is there. And after talking...and singing...and pondering...all of a sudden it hits me that the KING and CREATOR of the universe is not only my Savior, but my friend who is ALWAYS beside me, listening to me all day....I'm floored.
He is there.
He is here.
I'm often reminded that joy doesn't come easily...even to the seemingly most "happy" people.
Joy is chosen.
And that choice is so hard sometimes.
Whether life is really cruel at the moment, or life's present is hard and the future is about to get harder...or life is "normal" but not really that enjoyable....it's hard to choose joy.
For various reasons, it's been a little hard to choose joy. I'm not going to explain why; it's personal. And honestly, if I explained it, some people would shake their heads and tell me that it shouldn't be hard. (And to those people, I have this answer: Even King Solomon was depressed at times.)
My point is, no matter what the season of life or time of life, I have Jesus.
In my joy and my sorrow and my fear and my pain...just give me Jesus.
You can have all this world...Just give me Jesus.
What's in your heart today?